Navigating Ramadan as a young widow

February 2024

The month of Ramadan is one of the most significant and holy times of the year for Muslims. WAY member, Ruba shares her tips for navigating Ramadan as a young widow...

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1. Rest and recharge.
   Ramadan can be an uplifting month, but fasting for 30 days can be physically, spiritually and emotionally demanding, especially when you are grieving. Be gentle with yourself and make sure you take the time to rest whenever you can.

2. Eat well and stay hydrated.
   Your appetite can be really affected by grief, but fasting demands a solid diet. Try to eat healthy foods that give you a slow release of energy throughout the day, such as bananas, oats, dates or toast, and drink enough water when you are preparing to and breaking your fast.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.
   Ramadan is different in its intensity for everyone, but it’s uniquely so in the midst of partner loss. Tap into your networks at work and with family and friends. This could be for help to adjust work patterns, childcare routines or just to have a chat if you’re having a particularly difficult day.

4. Have zero expectations.
   Ramadan is a highly spiritual month where Muslims often conduct more prayer and supplication than usual, but this can be difficult to do when you are grieving. Don’t put too much spiritual pressure on yourself and take each day as it comes. 

5. Incorporate your loved one.
   The month won’t be the same without your partner, but it can still be uplifting for you to honour them, as well as beneficial for them spiritually. You could do this by incorporating a Ramadan tradition you shared or sponsoring an Iftar meal in their memory.  

Ruba will be holding drop-in Ramadan support sessions for WAY members who wish to join. Login and visit our events page to find more details.